If the EU is such a disaster, why are its member states doing all they can to help Brit expats suffering due to Brexit?

Comparing the reaction of EU member states’ government with the way British expats are being treated by their own government, it seems the EU is doing everything it can to make expatriate lives at least bearable. The latest news from Spain confirms this impression, with Spanish lawmakers reassuring the expat community it aims to make their transition to third-country nationals as straightforward as possible. However, also mentioned was reciprocity as regards the treatment of Spanish citizens living and working in the UK.

One important promise deals with a hard Brexit scenario in that UK residents will be given the time they need to register as third country nationals. The actual length of time isn’t yet published, but will be sufficient and also dependent on the date of the UK’s finally leaving the EU. Following March 29, the existing EU document, either the registration certificate or EU citizen family member residence card, will be valid for a period, during which application for third-country ID can be made, with the process practically automatic for UK citizens who’ve legally registered.

The process as described is similar to those being put in place in other EU member states, although differentials for vulnerable groups and suchlike have yet to be finalised. Extra immigration staff as well as resources will be allocated to regions with a high number of UK expat residents. For expats unable to apply before Brexit takes hold, application during the period of grace will be permitted, with the process less demanding than that for other third country nationals. In all the noted situations, continued residence in Spain will be considered fully legal.